News

Boston office now recognized for environmental law and commercial litigation

Chambers and Partners, a prominent publisher of law firm rankings, continues to award its highest rankings to Pierce Atwood and its attorneys in Chambers USA 2019.

Pierce Atwood is the only Maine firm included in Band 1 for environmental law, the highest ranking available. According to Chambers, Band 1 recognitions indicate that the firm has the “technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client.”

New in 2019, the firm’s commercial litigation group in Boston is now a “recognized practice,” a ranking that indicates an active practice, and which often precedes a Chambers band ranking. After receiving a similar recognition in 2018 for the firm’s Boston-based environmental law practice, we’re pleased that Chambers researchers heard enough positive client feedback and identified enough worthy client matters to continue recognizing our fast-growing Boston office.

In addition, several attorneys in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire are either newly ranked or have risen in their rankings this year, pointing to our continued growth and strong regional presence throughout the Northeast.

Here is what Chambers USA 2019– and firm clients and contacts – had to say about some of our highest ranked practice areas:

Corporate/M&A – Maine (Band 1): An “Outstanding group, highly regarded for its advice and representation on a range of issues, including debtor and creditor rights, alongside corporate formation and governance concerns. Specialties include complex M&A transactions, venture capital financings and public offerings, as well as bankruptcy and tax matters.” Clients include energy companies, private equity investors and real estate developers, among others. Chambers sources state, “My impression of the team has been extraordinary. They are more responsive and able to answer questions, provide guidance, and turn documents faster than other law firms.” "They are incredibly responsive: 24/7, 365 days a year, any time, any day, they respond immediately. They are very timely in all work done for us, and their work has been first rate."

Energy & Natural Resources – Maine (Band 1): “A distinguished group providing counsel on a wide variety of energy matters, notably regulatory and compliance advice, energy infrastructure development and domestic and cross-border transactional work. Acts for a diverse roster of clients including utilities, buyers and sellers of energy, renewable energy companies and financial institutions.” Chambers sources say, "The firm can help us with the technical issues but they also have a department that can help us with compliance issues - the kind of matters that are very important to us."

Environment – Maine (Band 1): The group is a “Long-established and market-leading practice with excellent skills in a broad range of environmental law work. Offers strength in areas such as renewable energy projects, licensing issues and regulatory matters, including administrative and judicial appeals. Enjoys a fine track record for its work on land use and toxic tort matters. Chambers sources say, "I am constantly impressed with their cost-effective, knowledgeable, hands-on approach to issues, which is underscored by their strengths in clearly articulating advice and their quick responsiveness."

Labor & Employment – Maine (Band 1): Call an “outstanding practice with expertise across the spectrum of labor and employment matters. Highly adept in traditional labor issues, including unfair labor practice claims and collective bargaining. Also regularly in demand for its expertise in employee benefits, with expertise in matters including ERISA, HIPAA and health and welfare plans, as well as possessing particular strength in immigration. Sought for guidance on producing handbooks and policies, and called in to advise on internal investigations. Represents a fine choice of firm for clients in the education, health care, manufacturing and technology sectors. Chambers sources state: "I am always confident that the work will be done well and timely. I can never overstate how their practical analysis is so welcomed." And another describes the team as "very knowledgeable and very helpful" and appreciates how "they understand our culture and what we're trying to accomplish."

Commercial Litigation – Maine (Band 1): “Market-leading commercial litigation group, acting for an enviable roster of clients across a diverse range of sectors, including health care, energy, manufacturing, retail, and financial services. Recognized for its strength in IP litigation, including trademark and copyright infringement matters. Also noted for its expert handling of antitrust and energy litigation. Possesses additional experience in class action cases and appellate proceedings, and is regularly sought out for professional liability defense by lawyers and law firms.” Chambers sources describe the firm as “"a great group of top-notch lawyers providing major-city legal services at small-city billing rates." Another impressed client praises the "very experienced, skilled, supportive business lawyers" at the firm.

Real Estate – Maine (Band 1): The team “maintains an excellent reputation in the real estate market, with substantial strength across acquisition, leasing, financing, and development work. Also routinely sought after for its counsel on land use and title matters. Offers strengths across a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare and energy.” “Chambers sources state, "My impression is they are humble, professional and driven, always responsive and available at a moment’s notice. They provide comfort to our organization."

Another client says: "My experiences in working with the individuals and teams at Pierce Atwood have always been open and positive. I feel appreciated as a client and also feel very comfortable in being direct when it comes to the level of service provided."

Litigation:General Commercial – Rhode Island (Band 2): Called “An excellent litigation group acting for both plaintiff and defendant clients. Cases cover a range of areas, including product liability, ERISA, UCC litigation, and IP. Noted for its capabilities in class action matters. Maintains an excellent reputation for its expertise in construction-related litigation. Chambers sources state, "As a team, they complement each other in a way that brings real value to the client. Their ability to probe the potential weaknesses of the case and to build around its strengths brought a rounded and intelligent approach to the various challenges we faced.” Another client says: “The team as a whole is impressive. I feel that the firm is very well run and strives for excellence. They are proactive rather than reactive.” One impressed interviewee attests that the firm is "superior in talent, attentiveness and professionalism."

Chambers and Partners has been ranking law firms and lawyers since 1990, and now covers 185 jurisdictions throughout the world. Lawyers and law firms are ranked on a variety of factors and considerations, all of which are investigated by more than 170 researchers that work full-time in their London headquarters. Individual lawyers are ranked (in their practice area(s)) on the basis of their legal knowledge and experience, their ability, their effectiveness, and their client service.